When its Time To Go! Genesis 31 Part 1

It was time for Jacob to return to Canaan–How did he know, well it might have been the way his brothers-in-law were talking about how he had stolen their flocks, it may have been the way that his father-in-law had changed the way he was dealing with Jacob. It could have been the dream Jacob had telling him to go home. Whatever was the reason that spurred him, Jacob knew it was time to go. After 20 years of shepherding and caring for his and his father-in-law’s flocks, Jacob would return to Canaan with his own wealth and family.

It would not be easy, it would not go over well, but, Jacob gathered his family, his belongings and left–Haran. Not too surprising was the fact that uncle Laban would not be pleased–nor, would his brothers-in law. It would also be difficult on his family to leave all they had known for the last 20 years; but, Jacob knew God was telling him to go–and he knew that if God was calling him to go, then God would make the move possible.

In modern day, it is very easy to make decisions using all the media, research and technology available. Sadly, often times, we forget the best tool of all–seeking God’s guidance. Jacob was led to change, but, often we change–then simply ask God to bless our decision and alter his plan to meet ours. That is not how God works. He will allow us to choose our own course, but, if we will wait on his course and direction, then we can be assured he will be the one that does it–leads, guides and directs our path. We can never quit believing, nor, should we ever move God aside to accomplish our plan. Isaiah said it best, “Those who wait on the Lord, will renew their strength–they will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

God Bless You

Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken everything our father owned and has gained all this wealth from what belonged to our father.” 2 And Jacob noticed that Laban’s attitude toward him was not what it had been.

3 Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”

4 So Jacob sent word to Rachel and Leah to come out to the fields where his flocks were.5 He said to them, “I see that your father’s attitude toward me is not what it was before, but the God of my father has been with me.6 You know that I’ve worked for your father with all my strength,7 yet your father has cheated me by changing my wages ten times. However, God has not allowed him to harm me.8 If he said, ‘The speckled ones will be your wages,’ then all the flocks gave birth to speckled young; and if he said, ‘The streaked ones will be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore streaked young.9 So God has taken away your father’s livestock and has given them to me.

10 “In breeding season I once had a dream in which I looked up and saw that the male goats mating with the flock were streaked, speckled or spotted.11 The angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob.’ I answered, ‘Here I am.’12 And he said, ‘Look up and see that all the male goats mating with the flock are streaked, speckled or spotted, for I have seen all that Laban has been doing to you.13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and where you made a vow to me. Now leave this land at once and go back to your native land.’”